Best Aaron Irber Podcasts (2025)

1
The Ape & The Monkey 1:07

5d ago1:07

1:07

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit aaronirber.substack.com This video is about how ancient and medieval people viewed apes and monkeys. *************************************************************************************************************Follow me on Twitter @AaronIrber Subscribe to my YouTube channel https://www.y…

1
Aliens & UFOs (ft. Patrick Abbott) 1:28:41

12d ago1:28:41

1:28:41

Science fiction author, Patrick Abbott, joins the show to discuss whether alien life forms are compatible with Christianity, the UFO phenomenon, cattle mutilations, and more! The truth is (maybe) out there! Follow Patrick Abbott on Twitter.com @PatrickKAbbott Subscribe to his Substack: ***************************************************************…

1
The Antelope & The Serra 1:00

1M ago1:00

1:00

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit aaronirber.substack.com This is the first of my medieval bestiary videos to be behind a paywall. To get access to the full video, become a paid subscriber to my substack. In this video, I cover the antelope and the serra/sawfish. **********************************************************…

1
Lord of the World (ft. Malrubius) 1:29:58

1M ago1:29:58

1:29:58

Lord of the World was written in 1907 and is considered one of the classics of dystopian literature. The author, Fr. Robert Hugh Benson, was a Catholic convert from Anglicanism who wanted to write a book about the Antichrist. Lord of the World is that book. Malrubius (Chris), from The Sun Eater discord, joins the show to discuss Lord of the World, …

1
Medieval Bestiary - Ants & Antlions 14:28

2M ago14:28

14:28

Today, we delve into how Medieval Christians depicted ants and their predator, the sometimes legendary antlion, in Medieval bestiaries. Subscribe to my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@imightbelieveinfaeries7563 I Might Believe in Faeries is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free o…

1
Medieval Bestiary Introduction (ft. Aaron Irber) 51:30

2M ago51:30

51:30

This is a solo episode where I discuss medieval bestiaries and announce a new project I have been working on. I discuss animal symbolism, how Medieval bestiaries depicted animals, and the stories behind them. There are supposed to be pictures with this episode so check out the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/h06opKxl444 ***********************…

1
Lafferty's Fourth Mansions (ft. Gregorio Montejo) 1:25:06

2M ago1:25:06

1:25:06

How the heck do I describe this book? In 1969, R. A. Lafferty wrote a novel. In it, he combined the spirituality of St. Theresa of Avila, conspiracy theories, immortal frog-men, psychic brain powers based on the ideas of the French paleontologist priest, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, badgers, modernist painters, and much, much more. Reading a Laffert…

1
Till We Have Faces (ft. Annie Crawford) 1:35:17

3M ago1:35:17

1:35:17

A myth retold. This book is C. S. Lewis at his most mature, and he considered it to be his favorite of his own works. Many readers find it to be a difficult book and hard to decipher. What is the story of Cupid and Psyche and how is Lewis retelling it? Teacher and Lewis scholar, Annie Crawford, joins the show to discuss all of this and more. Follow…

1
Magic in Middle Earth (ft. Richard Rohlin) 1:24:34

4M ago1:24:34

1:24:34

How does magic work in The Lord of the Rings? Does Tolkien have a "magic system?" Richard Rohlin returns to the show to discuss how Tolkien uses magic in his Legendarium. This is a continuation to our previous episode on magic systems in fantasy. Follow Richard Rohlin on Twitter.com @richardrohlin ***************************************************…

1
O Honeybees (ft. Salvator R. Tarnmoor) 1:28:09

4M ago1:28:09

1:28:09

In this episode, I get to discuss two of my favorite things: bees and mythology. Salvator R. Tarnmoor, or Ludovico Ambrosius when he is writing, joins the show to discuss his recent collection of poems on honeybees. This anthology collects poems from authors thousands of years apart and includes selections on bees from Virgil, Homer, Shakespeare, E…

1
The Loser, the Robot, and the Antichrist (ft. E. L. Brooks) 1:29:28

5M ago1:29:28

1:29:28

Almost all books are stupid, or else they are too smart. If you think so too, then this guest's books may be just right for you! Poet and novelist, E. L. Brooks, joins the show to discuss his two books, Phineiad: A Brief History of the Future, and The Loser, the Robot, and the Antichrist. If you enjoy online peasant romance, the death worship of im…

1
IMBIF Bookclub 6 - The Place of the Lion by Charles Williams 1:36:27

6M ago1:36:27

1:36:27

This is the final episode of the The Year of Our Lord, 2024. We are concluding this year with a bookclub discussion of The Place of the Lion by Charles Williams. Williams was a member of the literary group, The Inklings, and friends with both C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. Prior to meeting these literary giants, Williams published The Place of t…

1
Why We Hate Magic Systems (ft. Christopher Ruocchio, Nicholas Kotar, & Richard Rohlin) 1:24:39

7M ago1:24:39

1:24:39

This was a really great episode! Richard Rohlin, Deacon Nicholas Kotar, and Christopher Ruocchio join the show to discuss magic in fantasy fiction. What is magic? What are magic systems? How has the portrayal of magic changed in the last several decades? How do different authors approach magic in their books? What do liturgy and poetry have to do w…

1
Werewolves & Leprechauns (ft. Eleanor Bourg Nicholson) 1:52:34

8M ago1:52:34

1:52:34

Happy Halloween! In this episode, Eleanor Bourg Nicholson returns to the show to have a conversation about werewolves, leprechauns, and folklore. We discuss her two books with Chrism Press, Brother Wolf and Wake of Malice. Is there a basis for the werewolf legend? What does folklore have to do with Christianity? Is it good, bad, or a bit of both? W…

1
Moralizing Ovid (ft. Sarah-Jane Murray) 1:36:31

8M ago1:36:31

1:36:31

Ovid was a Roman poet who wrote a 15-book catalogue that came to be known as The Metamorphosis. The stories are all based on Greek and Roman mythology and most consist in some sort of grotesque physical transformation as a result of the antics of the pagan gods. Ovid became so popular in Christian culture that there developed an entire mythographic…

1
Hieroglyphics by Arthur Machen (ft. Christopher Tompkins) 1:44:19

9M ago1:44:19

1:44:19

Christopher Tompkins (Darkly Bright Press) returns to the show to discuss the literary theories of horror author, Arthur Machen. Machen wrote about his views of literature in many places, but most extensively in his book, Hieroglyphics. We discuss Machen's ideas, his view on ecstasy, and why he considers Homer to be Fine Literature, but not Jane Au…

1
IMBIF Book Club 5 - A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr. 1:45:19

10M ago1:45:19

1:45:19

The 2024 book club continues! In this episode, we discuss A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr. This book is a classic science fiction story and a masterpiece. Miller explores a post-apocalyptic America through the eyes of an order of Catholic monks in the Utah desert. These monks try to keep the flame of knowledge alive by preserving an…

1
That Hideous Strength (fr. Andrew Snyder) 2:00:41

11M ago2:00:41

2:00:41

This episode is the third and final in a trilogy where Andrew Snyder, from The Mythic Mind Legacy Podcast, and I discuss each book in C. S. Lewis' "Ransom Trilogy." In this episode, Andrew and I discuss the third book, That Hideous Strength. We cover multiple topics including marriage, sexuality, Mars, Venus, and Jupiter, Arthurian magic, and more!…

1
Perelandra (ft. Andrew Snyder) 1:39:31

12M ago1:39:31

1:39:31

This episode is the second in a trilogy where Andrew Snyder, from The Mythic Mind Legacy Podcast, and I discuss each book in C. S. Lewis' "Ransom Trilogy." In this episode, Andrew and I discuss the second book, Perelandra. We cover multiple themes including Lewis' thoughts on pleasure, demonic possession and temptation, and Myth Becoming Fact. Some…

1
Out of the Silent Planet (ft. Andrew Snyder) 1:29:32

1y ago1:29:32

1:29:32

This episode will be the first in a trilogy where Andrew Snyder, from The Mythic Mind Legacy Podcast, and I discuss each book in C. S. Lewis' "Ransom Trilogy." In this episode, Andrew and I dive deeply into the first book, Out of the Silent Planet. We discuss Lewis' love of what he calls "The Medieval Model" and how he reinvigorates that conception…

1
IMBIF Book Club 4 - Eifelheim by Michael Flynn 1:45:03

1y ago1:45:03

1:45:03

We have begun our book club discussions for 2024! In this episode, we discuss Eifelheim by Michael Flynn. Eifelheim is a classic clash of cultures story where a Medieval village is visited by stranded aliens. We discussed the themes of the book as well as a lot of the history, science, and theology behind it. Mr. Flynn died a few months ago, so ple…

1
Flower World and True Myth (ft. Joseph & Monique González) 1:22:41

1y ago1:22:41

1:22:41

The story of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a special one for me. Every year, I learn something new and am able to dive deeper into this miraculous event. This year, I had the pleasure of reading a new book called Guadalupe and the Flower World Prophecy: How God Prepared the Americas for Conversion Before the Lady Appeared from Sophia Institute Press. Th…

1
Beneath the Silent Heavens (ft. Jonathan Geltner & Gregorio Montejo) 1:51:48

1y ago1:51:48

1:51:48

Both Jonathan Geltner (Absolute Music) and Gregorio Montejo (In a Green Tree) return as guests to discuss the 2019 book, Beneath the Silent Heavens, by Brian Christopher Moore. Nested in the discussion of the book, we also discussed typology vs allegory, Noe's Ark, Medieval Mystery Plays, the Welsh poet David Jones, the French poet Charles Péguy, t…

1
The Devil's Dictum (ft. Frederick Gero Heimbach) 1:33:13

1+ y ago1:33:13

1:33:13

Indie author Frederick Gero Heimbach joins the show to discuss his first novel, The Devil's Dictum. This is a story unlike anything you've read before. This is an alternate America founded by evil, satanic pirates where Richard Nixon is one of the good guys in a giant robot suit. If that doesn't grab your attention, then I can't help you. Twitter: …

1
Twilight of the Godlings (ft. Francis Young) 1:18:51

1+ y ago1:18:51

1:18:51

What are the British supernatural beings known as fairies? Where do they come from? Are they diminutive pagan gods or something else? Scholar and folklorist, Francis Young, addresses all of these questions in his new book, Twilight of the Godlings: The Shadowy Beginnings of Britain's Supernatural Beings. This show wouldn't live up to its name if we…

1
Lagomorph Warrior (ft. Donald Jacob Uitvlugt) 1:17:53

1+ y ago1:17:53

1:17:53

What exactly is a lagomorph and why do they make interesting characters? Donald Jacob Uitvlugt joins the show to discuss lagomorphs, worldships, Chinese culture, and his book, Jiao Tu's Endeavour: A Furry Sci-Fi Adventure. Donald's website can be found here: jiaotusendeavour.wordpress.com Follow Donald on Twitter as well: @jiaotuwuku for Jiao Tu sp…

1
Gene Wolfe (ft. Marc Aramini) 1:35:05

1+ y ago1:35:05

1:35:05

The time has come for the first episode on Gene Wolfe! Wolfe scholar Marc Aramini joins the show to discuss this amazingly unique author. We talked about Wolfe's life, his major themes, how he uses sexuality in his fiction, his intense fan base and much more. Enjoy! Marc Aramini's Books: Between Light and Shadow: An Exploration of the Fiction of Ge…

1
Repenting Demons and Twitter Nonsense (ft. Isaac Young) 1:16:39

1+ y ago1:16:39

1:16:39

Isaac Young joins the show to discuss modern depictions of angels and demons and whether or not demons can repent. We also discuss horror movies, Neil Gaiman, George R. R. Martin, Elden Ring and more. Follow Isaac on Twitter @HariSel57511397 Links: The Matrioshka Divide by Isaac Young https://www.amazon.com/Matrioshka-Divide-Isaac-Young-ebook/dp/B0…

1
Cauldron of Story Ep. 1 The Frog Prince (ft. Rachel Irber) 48:57

1+ y ago48:57

48:57

I am introducing a new patron only series called Cauldron of Story where I read and discuss a fairy tale with my wife, Rachel Irber. In this first episode, Rachel and I discuss The Frog Prince, the first story in the Grimm's fairy tale collection. We start with an introduction to the series and then jump right into the story. Future episodes will b…

1
My Brother's Keeper (ft. Tim Powers) 1:37:42

1+ y ago1:37:42

1:37:42

Happy Halloween! To mark the spooky season, I interviewed the master of the numinous, Tim Powers, about his new book, My Brother's Keeper. We discussed the book, St. Hubert, the power of the subconscious, and, oddly enough, quantum physics. Tim Powers will also be speaking at Doxacon this year and I will be attending as a guest. Here is the website…

1
St. Brendan, Tolkien and The West (ft. Matthew Scarince) 1:17:32

1+ y ago1:17:32

1:17:32

Matthew Scarince joins the show to discuss an essay he wrote on J. R. R. Tolkien titled Looking to the West: A Brief Study of Tolkien’s Carolingian Heritage. We discuss Tolkien's conception of "The West" and what that has to do with St. Brendan the Navigator, Charlemagne, and The Last World Emperor. We also include a brief discussion on Tolkien's d…

1
Wonder, Mischief, & Fairyland (ft. Junius Johnson) 1:11:43

2y ago1:11:43

1:11:43

What do wonder and mischief have to do with education? What can Fairyland teach us? Junius Johnson, independent scholar, teacher, musician, and writer, joins the show to discuss his new book, On Teaching Fairy Stories: A Guide to Cultivating Wonder in Students through Great Literature. Johnson and I discuss the nature of Fairyland, fairy stories, a…

1
The Birth of Comedy (ft. Susannah Black Roberts) 1:17:39

2y ago1:17:39

1:17:39

Friedrich Nietzsche and a guy named Bronze Age Pervert want to return to the Bronze Age of Greek civilization to reinvigorate our culture with abundant vitality. The trouble is, Greek paganism, like all paganism, lacks the vitality they so desire. The life force they want can't fulfill their desires. What can? Susannah Black Roberts, Senior Editor …

1
Conan Among the Ashes (ft. Alexander Palacio) 1:53:06

2y ago1:53:06

1:53:06

Demon snake gods, human sacrifice, and what does Conan the Barbarian have to do with Hernan Cortez? Alexander Palacio joins the show to talk about his sword and sorcery series, Ashes of the Urn. We also talk about story structure, the writing process, and how much power Barnes and Noble shelf stockers have over the culture. Follow Alexander on Twit…

1
Weathering Wuthering Heights (ft. Eleanor Bourg Nicholson) 1:24:19

2y ago1:24:19

1:24:19

Gothic fiction author, Eleanor Bourg Nicholson, returns to the show to discuss Emily Brontë's novel, Wuthering Heights. We discuss the novel's religious and gothic themes, Emily's background and beliefs and much more. Find out why so many people misread the relationship between the two main characters by tuning in! Author’s Books Mentioned: Brother…

1
The Grimm's Magic Fairy Tales (ft. Rev. G. Ronald Murphy, S. J.) 1:37:25

2y ago1:37:25

1:37:25

Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were German academics and philologists and are famous for their collection of folk tales, which includes Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, and Snow White. Rev. G. Ronald Murphy, S. J. joins the show to these stories and his book, The Owl, The Raven, and the Dove: The Religious Meaning of the Grimm's Magic Fairy Tale…

1
Don't Go Into The Wildwood! (ft. Marly Youmans) 1:11:13

2y ago1:11:13

1:11:13

Author and poet Marly Youmans joins the show to discuss her recently published book, Seren of the Wildwood from Wiseblood Books: "Seren is born on the brink of Wildwood, realm of shadowy fey who listen and laugh–who sometimes bless and sometimes curse. As she grows into young womanhood, shaped by a familial tragedy tied to her conception, she is lu…

1
Amboria: The World Under Starlight (ft. Richard Rohlin) 1:24:33

2y ago1:24:33

1:24:33

Richard Rohlin has wrapped a living sword, giants, unfathomable sea monsters, liturgy, angelic stars, and more into his new tabletop role playing game from Strange Owl Games. Amboria: The World Under Starlight is the result of about 20 years of myth-making and poetry. Culture, ritual, and liturgy are expertly woven together in this rich, textured, …

1
IMBIF Book Club 3 - The King of Elfland's Daughter by Lord Dunsany 1:26:49

2y ago1:26:49

1:26:49

Book Club number three has arrived! In this installment, we discuss The King of Elfland's Daughter by Lord Dunsany. We discuss the book, Dunsany the man, his influence on fantasy literature, his religious leanings, and why this book is (should be considered) a classic. I am joined by Dan, Andrew and John Palmer. As always, these episodes are availa…

1
Myth, Facts, and Liturgical Santa (ft. Cameron Dixon) 1:33:20

2y ago1:33:20

1:33:20

C. S. Lewis called Christ the myth that became fact in an essay called..."Myth Became Fact". What does this mean? Well, Cameron Dixon joins the show to discuss that essay, phenomenology, the Divine Liturgy, and how Santa Claus fits into it all. Most of the essays and poems we discuss can be accessed for free on the internet. Cameron Dixon's substac…

1
R. A. Lafferty: The Grumpy Old Man from Tulsa (ft. Gregorio Montejo) 1:36:15

2+ y ago1:36:15

1:36:15

Raphael Aloysius Lafferty was an author, a teller of tall tales, and a Catholic from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Gregorio Montejo of Ktistec Press and I discuss Lafferty's fiction, his life, his unique storytelling style, and why no one has ever heard of him (or have they?). We compare Lafferty's style to another famous Catholic speculative fiction author, Ge…

1
Blood of the King & Our Lady of Guadalupe (ft. Lydia Lei) 1:35:21

2+ y ago1:35:21

1:35:21

The Aztecs were one of the most bloody civilizations in history. In fact, blood, along with corn, was central to their ritual practices and sacrifices. Without the spilling of blood, the world would end. Lydia Lei, history and literature teacher at Chesterton Academy, joins the show to discuss the Aztec religion and their religious symbolism. We ta…

1
A Catholic, a Protestant, and a Fool Walk Into a Bar... (ft. Jane Clark Scharl) 1:15:03

2+ y ago1:15:03

1:15:03

*This episode contains content that may not be suitable for children. Essayist, poet, and playwright, Jane Clark Scharl joins the show on this episode of I Might Believe in Faeries. Her new play, Sonnez Les Matines, features Ignatius of Loyola, John (Jean) Calvin, and François Rabelais in 1520s Paris who are all embroiled in a gruesome murder. We …

1
Dirt Poor Robins’ Queen of the Night (ft. Neil DeGraide) 1:44:01

2+ y ago1:44:01

1:44:01

Neil DeGraide, of the band Dirt Poor Robins, joins the show on this episode of I Might Believe in Faeries. We talked about their recent album Deadhorse and the newly released silent film, Queen of the Night. Dirt Poor Robins Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dirtpoorrobins Website: https://www.dirtpoorrobins.com/ ***************************…

1
Greek Myths and Christian Mystery (ft. John Emmet Clarke) 1:35:20

2+ y ago1:35:20

1:35:20

John Emmet Clarke from the (amazing) Catholic book publishing company, Cluny Media, joins the podcast to discuss the book Greek Myths and Christian Mystery by Hugo Rahner SJ. No, not that Rahner, but his much more interesting brother. This book has been republished by Cluny Media and we discussed the first section. We talked about pagan mystery cul…

1
IMBIF Book Club 2 - The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers 1:28:10

2+ y ago1:28:10

1:28:10

Book Club number two is here! In this episode we talk about The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers, possibly the greatest time travel story ever written. I am joined by Dan and Andrew again as well as patrons Dave Kisby and John Palmer and special guest Ben Espen. Ben is the host of the website, With Both Hands, and writes about wonder stories and fantasy …

1
Mark Millar and Superman 1:10:55

2+ y ago1:10:55

1:10:55

I had the wonderful, and unexpected, opportunity to interview comic book creator, and practicing Catholic, Mark Millar! Mark wrote such comic books as Wanted, Kick-Ass, Old Man Logan, Superman: Red Son and Marvel's Civil War. Many of his comic books have been turned into major blockbuster movies and his own comic book company, Millarworld was purch…

1
IMBIF Book Club 1 - Elantris by Brandon Sanderson 1:23:15

3y ago1:23:15

1:23:15

In this special episode of IMBIF, I am joined by my very good friends, Dan and Andrew to discuss Elantris by Brandon Sanderson. This is sort of an example episode of how I want to conduct these book club discussions every 3 months. After this episode, book club discussions will be open to all Patreon subscribers who want to participate. I will prov…

1
Fantasy, Theophany, and Absolute Music (ft. Jonathan Geltner) 1:29:51

3y ago1:29:51

1:29:51

Jonathan Geltner joins to show to discuss his debut novel, Absolute Music. We talk about creation, music, the history of the word “fantasy” and much more. Author’s Books Mentioned: Absolute Music (2022) Five Great Odes by Paul Claudel translation (2020) Gene Wolfe: Epic Fantasy and Faithful Reading (2021) https://slantbooks.org/close-reading/essays…

1
Reading Fantasy Makes You Holy (Maybe) (ft. David Russell Mosley) 2:05:57

3y ago2:05:57

2:05:57

Does reading fantasy make you holy? Maybe! Theologian and poet, David Russell Mosley, comes on the show to talk about his book, Being Deified, and his poetry. David can be found on Twitter @elflandletters The conversation paused because I had to take some bread out of the oven for my lovely wife. I have also included a link to the recipe for Cinnam…

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